The natural product industry is booming and showing no signs of slowing. Big brands are taking note by scooping up smaller, innovative companies that are disrupting consumer products by adding a natural twist. Michael Cammarata, Co-Founder and CEO of Schmidt's Naturals, shared why his company was such an attractive target for Unilever.
Cammarata said Unilever was drawn to his brand due to its rapid growth and ability to go to market quickly. He said consumers have been the brands biggest advocate. The entrepreneur also added that the Unilever focuses on the founders and allows them to continue to operate the way they want.
All-natural has been all the rage as consumers increasingly opt for chemical-free products. He says his brand is unique because they focused on competing with brands in the traditional space. He added consumers are realizing products with natural ingredients are delivering similar results as the initial products.
Orangetheory Fitness is redefining the future of workouts with smarter tech, strength-based programming, and community-driven studios built for what’s next.
Spain's government has fined Airbnb 64 million euros or $75 million for advertising unlicensed tourist rentals. The consumer rights ministry announced the fine on Monday. The ministry stated that many listings lacked proper license numbers or included incorrect information. The move is part of Spain's ongoing efforts to regulate short-term rental companies amid a housing affordability crisis especially in popular urban areas. The ministry ordered Airbnb in May to remove around 65,000 listings for similar violations. The government's consumer rights minister emphasized the impact on families struggling with housing. Airbnb said it plans to challenge the fine in court.
Roomba maker iRobot has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, but says that it doesn’t expect any disruptions to devices as the more than 30-year-old company is taken private under a restructuring process. iRobot said that it is being acquired by Picea through a court-supervised process. Picea is the company's primary contract manufacturer. The Bedford, Massachusetts-based anticipates completing the prepackaged chapter 11 process by February.
Serbia’s prosecutor for organized crime has charged a government minister and three others with abuse of position and falsifying of documents related to a luxury real estate project linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. The charges came on Monday. The investigation centers on a controversy over a a bombed-out military complex in central Belgrade that was a protected cultural heritage zone but that is facing redevelopment as a luxury compound by a company linked to Kushner. The $500 million proposal to build a high-rise hotel, offices and shops at the site has met fierce opposition from experts at home and abroad. Selakovic and others allegedly illegally lifted the protection status for the site by falsifying documentation.
